Control method for image processing apparatus connectable to computer network

ABSTRACT

A Web server function is provided for an image processing apparatus including a scanner for reading an image on a document, a printer for printing an image, an E-mail transmission/reception function, a FAX transmission/reception function, and the like to make the image processing apparatus generate a list of information about the status of various jobs and image data stored in a storage unit as a Web page. A user can browse and operate this Web page by using the Web browser of a computer connected to the apparatus through a LAN. The user of the computer can therefore grasp and manipulate information about a plurality of jobs executed by the image processing apparatus and information about image data at a remote place from the image processing apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates an image processing apparatus which can beused while being connected to a computer network to which a plurality ofcomputers can be connected, and a control method therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, to notify a user of the various status of an imageprocessing apparatus such as a copying machine or facsimile apparatus,various types of display are performed on the display unit of anoperation panel provided for the apparatus body.

In one system, a host computer is connected to these apparatuses toallow a user to display the status of each apparatus on the display unitof the host computer by using unique application software installed inthe host computer without going to the apparatus.

Recently, attempts have been made to develop multifunction apparatusesby, for example, realizing a plurality of functions, e.g., copier,printer, and facsimile functions, in a single apparatus. To notify theuser of the status of such an apparatus by displaying it on a hostcomputer, complicated software to be installed in the host computer mustbe designed. In addition, every time the arrangement of the apparatus ischanged, new software must be designed on the host computer side,demanding enormous efforts.

Furthermore, the user must launch different types of applicationsoftware for the respective apparatuses, requiring cumbersome operationand imposing a heavy load on the host computer.

Moreover, when the user makes various settings in apparatuses or givingvarious operation instructions to them, he/she must learn differentoperation methods for the respective apparatuses. The user mayexperience difficulty in learning the methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processingapparatus from which the above problems are eliminated, and a controlmethod for the apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to which various instructions can be given on ahost computer by using general-purpose application software, and acontrol method for the apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to which various instructions can be given from ahost computer by providing a Web server function to the apparatus andusing general-purpose Web client software, and a control method for theapparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing apparatus which allows a user to easily grasp the executionstatus of jobs in the apparatus capable of executing a plurality offunctional jobs, and a control method for the apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an imageprocessing apparatus which allows a user to grasp the status of datainput from the reader of the apparatus, received by facsimile, andstored in the storage unit of the apparatus, and to easily manipulatethe data from a host computer, and a control method for the apparatus.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of system configurationaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 13 are block diagrams showing the software arrangements ofimage processing apparatuses according to the first and secondembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing the outer appearance of an operation unit 2012of the image processing apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example display window on a liquid crystaldisplay unit 2013 in the operation unit 2012;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control operation of theoperation unit 2012 of the image processing apparatus according to thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flows of processing on the hostcomputer (Web browser) side and image processing apparatus (Web server)side in executing a remote UI function;

FIGS. 9 to 12, 14 to 19, 22, and 24 to 28 are views showing examplewindows displayed on the Web browser;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing on the hostcomputer side in executing remote UI; and

FIGS. 21, 23, and 29 to 32 are flow charts showing the flows ofprocessing on the image processing apparatus side in executing remoteUI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]

In a system in which an image processing apparatus is connected to ahost computer via a transmission medium such as a network, a log ofimage output jobs input to the image output device of the imageprocessing apparatus to output images can be acquired/displayed on thehost computer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the overall configuration of asystem according to this embodiment. An image processing apparatus 200includes a scanner 2070 serving as an image input device, a printer 2095serving as an image output device, a controller unit 2000 constituted bya memory and the like, an operation unit 2012 serving as a userinterface, and the like. The scanner 2070, printer 2095, and operationunit 2012 are connected to the controller unit 2000. The controller unit2000 is connected to a LAN 2011 or the like to which TCP/IP can beapplied, and serves as a Web server to generate a Web page (HTML file)and send the data to a WWW (Word Wide Web) network by HTTP (Hyper TextTransfer Protocol). Image processing apparatuses 220 and 230 each havingthe same arrangement as that of the image processing apparatus 200 areconnected to the LAN 2011. The image processing apparatuses 220 and 230respectively have scanners 2270 and 2370, printers 2295 and 2395, andoperation units 2212 and 2312, which are connected to control units 2200and 2300. (Since these image processing apparatuses have the samearrangement, the image processing apparatus 200 will be exemplifiedbelow unless otherwise specified.)

Reference numeral 10 denotes a host computer (personal computer), whichis connected to a network such as the LAN 2011 via a network connectionunit. The number of image processing apparatuses is not limited tothree, and many apparatuses can be connected to the network. As will bedescribed below, a Web browser is installed in the host computer 10 toallow it to operate as a Web client. Information based on an HTML filereceived from an image processing apparatus is displayed on the displayof the host computer. A host computer 11 has the same arrangement asthat of the host computer 10. The number of host computers is notlimited to two, and many host computers can be connected to the network.(Since these host computers have the same arrangement, the host computer10 will be exemplified below unless otherwise specified.)

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a software arrangement implemented ina control unit for the image processing apparatus 200 or the likeaccording to the first embodiment.

Reference numeral 1501 denotes a user interface (to be referred to as aUI hereinafter), which is a module for interfacing between this imageprocessing apparatus and user operation when the user performs variousoperations/settings with respect to the apparatus by using the operationunit 2012. This module transfers input information to various types ofmodules (to be described later) in accordance with operation by theoperator, thereby requesting processing, setting data, and the like.

Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book, i.e., a database modulefor managing delivery destinations, communication destinations, and thelike of data. When the UI 1501 detects the operation performed throughthe operation unit 2012 to add, delete, and acquire data, the contentsof the address book 1502 are used to give the delivery/communicationdestination information of data to each module to be described later inaccordance with operation by the operator.

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web server module, which is used tonotify management information on the local image processing apparatus inresponse to a request from a Web client (e.g., the host computer 10).This management information is read through a universal send module1504, remote copy scan module 1509, remote copy print module 1510, andcontrol API 1518, all of which will be described later, and sent to theWeb client through an HTTP module 1512, TCP/IP communication module1516, and network driver 1517, all of which will be described later. TheWeb server module 1503 generates information to be passed to the Webclient as data in so-called Web page (home page) form, e.g., HTML form.Java, a CGI program, or the like is used as needed.

The universal send module 1504 is a module taking charge of distributionof data, and distributes data designated by the operator through the UI1501 to designated communication (output) destinations. When theoperator gives an instruction to generate distribution data by using thescanner function of the local image processing apparatus, the scanner2070 of the image processing apparatus is operated through the controlAPI 1518 to generate data. Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module whichis executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in theuniversal send module 1504; 1506, a module which is executed when anE-mail address is designated as a communication destination in theuniversal send module 1504; 1507, a module which is executed when adatabase is designated as an output destination in the universal sendmodule 1504; and 1508, a module which is executed when an imageprocessing apparatus similar to the local image processing apparatus isdesignated as an output destination in the universal send module 1504.

The remote copy scan module 1509 is a module for performing processingequivalent to the copy function realized by the local image processingapparatus alone (scanner 2070 and printer 2095) when the outputdestination of image information read by the scanner 2070 using thescanner function of the image processing apparatus is set to the printer2295 or 2395 of another image processing apparatus connected through anetwork or the like. The remote copy print module 1510 is a module forperforming processing equivalent to the copy function realized by thelocal image processing apparatus alone by outputting the imageinformation, obtained by using another image processing apparatus (theimage information read by the scanner 2270 or 2370) connected through anetwork or the like as an input source, by using the printer function ofthe local image processing apparatus. The Web pull print module 1511 isa module for reading out information on a home page on the Internet oran intranet upon designation of a URL and printing it by using theprinter 2095.

The HTTP module 1512 is used when the local image processing apparatusperforms communication by HTTP, and provides a communication functionfor the Web server module 1503 and Web pull print module 1511 describedabove through the TCP/IP communication module 1516 (to be describedlater). Reference numeral 1513 denotes an Ipr module for providing acommunication function to the printer module 1505 in the universal sendmodule 1504 through the TCP/IP communication module 1516 (to bedescribed later); 1415, an SMTP module for providing a communicationfunction to the E-mail module 1506 in the universal send module 1504through the TCP/IP communication module 1516 (to be described later);and 1515, an SLM (Salutation Manager Module) for providing acommunication function to the database module 1507, DP module 1508,remote copy scan module 1509, and remote copy print module 1510 in theuniversal send module 1504 through the TCP/IP communication module 1516.

The TCP/IP communication module 1516 provides a network communicationfunction to each module described above by using the network driver 1517(to be described later). The network driver 1517 controls a portionphysically connected to the network.

The control API 1518 provides an interface between upstream modules suchas the universal send module 1504 and downstream modules such as a jobmanager 1519 (to be described later) so as to reduce the dependencybetween the upstream and downstream modules, thereby improving thediversity of each module. The job manager 1519 interprets the processingdesignated by each module described above through the control API 1518,and gives an instruction to each module (1520, 1524, 1526) (to bedescribed later). The job manager 1519 also performs centralizedmanagement of various jobs executed in the local image processingapparatus, including control on a FAX job.

Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC manager for managing/controllingvarious data compression/decompression processes of the processesdesignated by the job manager 1519; 1521, an FBE encoder for compressingthe data read by scanning performed by the job manager 1519 and a scanmanager 1524 (to be described later) according to an FBE format; 1522, aJPEG CODEC for performing JPEG compression of read data and JPEGdecompression of print data in scanning executed by the job manager 1519and scan manager 1524 and printing executed by a print manager 1526; and1523, an MMR CODEC for performing MMR compression of the data read bythe scanner and MMR decompression of print data in scanning executed bythe job manager 1519 and scan manager 1524 and printing executed by theprint manager 1526.

The scan manager 1524 manages/controls the scan processing designated bythe job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver forcommunicating with the scan manager 1524 and the scanner 2070 internallyconnected to the local image processing apparatus. The print manager1526 manages/controls print processing designated by the job manager1519. Reference numeral 1527 denotes an engine I/F for providing an I/Fbetween the print manager 1526 and the printer 2095; and 1528, aparallel port driver for providing an I/F when the Web pull print module1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) through a parallelport.

The address book 1502 will be described in detail below. This addressbook 1502 is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit (a nonvolatile memory,hard disk, or the like) in the image processing apparatus 200. In theaddress book 1502, the features of other devices connected to thenetwork are described, which include, for example:

the formal or alias names of the devices;

the network addresses of the devices;

network protocols that can be handled by the devices;

document formats that can be handled by the devices;

compression types that can be handled by the deices;

image resolutions that can be set for the devices;

paper sizes that can be set for devices serving as printers and paperfeeding stage information; and

the names of folders that can store documents when devices server asserver (computer).

Each application to be described below can discriminate the features ofdistribution destinations on the basis of information described in theaddress book 1502.

The image processing apparatus 200 can transmit data by referring to theaddress book 1502. For example, a remote copy application discriminatesresolution information (indicating resolution that can be handled) on adevice designated as a distribution destination by referring to theaddress book 1502. This application then compresses the binary image,read by the scanner, by a known MMR compression technique in accordancewith the resolution information, formats it by a known TIFF (TaggedImage File Format) technique, and transmits the resultant data to aprinter on the network. Although a detailed description of the SLM 1515will be omitted, it is a kind of known network protocol called asalutation manager including device control information.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of thehardware of an image processing apparatus.

The controller unit 2000 is a controller which is connected to thescanner 2070 serving as an image input device and the printer 2095serving as an image output device and is also connected to the LAN 2011and a WAN (Wide Area Network) 2051 serving as a telephone network toinput/output image information and device information.

A CPU 2001 is a controller for controlling the overall system. A RAM2002 serves as both a system work memory by which the CPU 2001 operatesand an image memory for temporarily storing image data. A ROM 2003 is aboot ROM, in which a boot program for the system is stored. An HDD 2004is a hard disk drive for storing system control software in FIG. 2 andimage data. An operation unit I/F 2006 is an interface unit for theoperation unit (UI) 2012, and outputs image data to be displayed on theoperation unit 2012 to it. The operation unit I/F 2006 also serves totransmit, to the CPU 2001, the information input by the user of thelocal image processing apparatus through the operation unit 2012. Anetwork 2010 connects the local image processing apparatus to the LAN2011 to input/output information in packet form. A MODEM 2050 connectsthe local image processing apparatus to the WAN 2051 todemodulate/modulate information. The above devices are arranged on asystem bus 2007.

An image bus I/F 2005 is a bus bridge for connecting the system bus 2007to an image bus 2008 for transferring image data at high speed so as toconvert a data structure. The image bus 2008 is formed by, for example,a PCI bus or IEEE 1394.

The following devices are arranged on the image bus 2008. A RIP (RasterImage Processor) 2060 analyzes/renders a PDL code to form a bitmappedimage. A device I/F 2020 connects the scanner 2070 serving as an imageinput/output device and the printer 2095 to the controller unit 2000through signal lines 2071 and 2096, respectively, thereby performingsynchronous system/asynchronous system conversion of image data. Ascanner image processing unit 2080 corrects, processes, and edits inputimage data. A printer image processing unit 2090 performs correction,solution conversion, and the like for print output image data to beoutput to the printer 2095 in accordance with the printer 2095. An imagerotating unit 2030 rotates input image data and outputs the resultantdata. An image compression unit 2040 performs JPEGcompression/decompression processing for multilevel image data, and alsoperforms JBIG, MMR, and MH compression/decompression processing forbinary image data.

FIG. 4 shows the outer appearance of the image processing apparatushaving the above arrangement according to this embodiment.

The operation unit 2012 displays various information and is manuallyoperated by the user. This unit will be described in detail later.

The scanner 2070 serving as an image input device illuminates an imageon a book- or sheet-like original with light and scans (main scan) a CCDline sensor constituted by a plurality of light-receiving elements. Thescanner 2070 also converts the image into an electrical signal as rasterimage data with predetermined resolutions (pixel densities) in the mainscanning direction and sub-scanning direction in accordance with adesignated input form by moving (sub-scanning) an optical system such asa mirror. When a document feeder 2072 is to be used, one or a pluralityof sheet-like originals are set on a tray 2073. When the user of theapparatus outputs a read instruction from the operation unit 2012, thecontroller CPU 2001 instructs the scanner 2070 to read images onoriginals automatically conveyed one by one onto the original table bythe document feeder 2072. At this time, images may be read by movingeach original while the optical system is fixed.

The printer 2095 serving as an image output device is a portion forconverting raster image data 2096 from various input sources intovisualized images on paper sheets. The printer 2095 can use any of thefollowing scheme: the electrophotographic scheme using a photosensitivedrum and photosensitive belt, the ink-jet scheme of directly printingimages on paper sheets by discharging ink from a small nozzle array, andthe like. Note that print operation is started in accordance with aninstruction from the controller CPU 2001.

The printer 2095 has a plurality of paper feeding stages to allowselection of one of different paper sizes or directions, and includespaper cassettes 2101 and 2102 and paper deck 2103 in correspondence withthe paper feeding stages. The user replenishes paper sheets by pullingeach cassette or opening the cover of the deck. Information such as thesizes of paper sheets loaded in each cassette and deck is supplied tothe controller CPU 2001 through sensors mounted on each cassette anddeck. A paper cassette or deck is selected in accordance with adesignated output form to feed a paper sheet. A discharge tray 2111receives printed paper sheets. In sorting operation, printed papersheets are discharged onto a sorter 2104 having a plurality of bins, asneeded. When paper sheets are discharged onto the sorter 2104, forexample, the sheets can be stapled or punched.

FIG. 5 shows the outer appearance of the operation unit 2012.

The operation unit 2012 has a liquid crystal display unit (LCD displayunit), a plurality of hard keys, and an LED display unit.

An LCD display unit 2013 has a touch panel sheet 2019 stuck on a liquidcrystal screen. The LCD display unit 2013 displays a system operationwindow and soft keys, and transmits, to the controller CPU 2001, theposition information of a displayed key when it is pressed.

The hard keys include a start key 2014, stop key 2015, ID key 2016,reset key 2017, and the like.

The start key 2014 is used to, for example, start to read an originalimage. A two-color LED display unit 2018 for displaying green or red isdisposed in the central portion of the start key 2014, and the colordisplayed indicates whether the start key 2014 can be used. If the redlight is turned on, the press of the start key 2014 is not accepted. Ifthe green light is turned on, the press of the start key 2014 isaccepted. The stop key 2015 is used to stop operation currentlyperformed. The ID key 2016 is used to input the user ID of the user. Thereset key 2017 is used to initialize the settings made through theoperation unit 2012.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the contents of a basic window displayed on theLCD display unit 2013 of the operation unit 2012.

The functions provided by the image processing apparatus 200 are mainlyclassified into six categories, namely Copy, Send, Retrieve, Tasks,Management, and Configuration, which respectively correspond to six maintabs (COPY, SEND, RETRIEVE, TASKS, MGMT, and CONFIG) (3011 to 3016)displayed on the upper portion of the operation window 2013. By pressingone of these main tabs, the current window is switched to a window for acorresponding category. If switching to another category is inhibited,the main tag display color changes, and no reaction is made uponpressing any of these tabs.

[COPY] is pressed to switch windows in executing the function ofperforming normal local copy operation by using the scanner 2070 andprinter 2095 of the self-apparatus and the function (remote copy) ofcopying a document by using the scanner 2070 of the self-apparatus andthe printers 2295 and 2395 of the similar remote image processingapparatuses 220 and 230 connected to the self-apparatus through thenetwork.

[SEND] is pressed to switch windows and allow the user to designate aplurality of destinations in executing the function of transferring animage on an original placed on the scanner 2070 of the self-apparatus tothe E-mail function, remote printer function, FAX function, filetransfer (FTP) function, and database.

[RETRIEVE] is pressed to switch windows in executing the function ofacquiring external data through the network or the like and printing itby using the printer 2095 of the self-apparatus. As a method ofacquiring data, a method using the WWW, E-mail, file transfer, or FAXcan be used.

[TASKS] is pressed to switch windows in executing the function of makingvarious settings for the generation and management of tasks forautomatically processing FAX data and external data such as Internetprint data and periodically retrieving data.

[MANAGEMENT] is pressed to manage a job address book, bookmark documentaccount information, and the like.

[CONFIGURATION] is pressed to make settings (for, e.g., a network andtimepiece) for the self-apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows the [COPY] window.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control operation of theoperation unit 2012 of the image processing apparatus according to thisembodiment.

As described above, the operation unit 2012 is connected to the systembus 2007 through the operation unit I/F 2006. The CPU 2001, RAM 2002,ROM 2003, and HDD 2004 are connected to the system bus 2007. The CPU2001 systematically controls accesses to the respective devicesconnected to the system bus 2007 on the basis of the control program andthe like stored in the ROM 2003 and HDD 2004, thereby reading inputinformation from the scanner 2070 connected through the device I/F 2020and outputting an image signal as output information to the printer 2095connected through the device I/F 2020. The RAM 2002 functions as themain memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 2001.

The CPU 2001 acquires user inputs from the touch panel sheet 2019 andvarious hard keys 2014 and 2017 through an input port 20061. The CPU2001 generates display window data on the basis of the acquiredoperation contents and the above control program, and outputs thedisplay window to the LCD display unit 2013 through an output port 20062for controlling the image output device. The CPU 2001 also controls theLED display unit 2018, as needed.

A remote UI (remote User Interface) which is a characteristic functionof this embodiment will be described next.

The remote UI is the function of externally acquiring/settinginformation such as the status of the local image processing apparatusor making it perform operation such as print operation or transmission(Universal Send). The user can use the function of the remote UI byaccessing the local apparatus from a host computer (10, 11) such as apersonal computer connected to the network by using a Web browser. Thisallows the user to perform, through the remote host computer, operationwhich should be performed through the operation unit 2012.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Web server 1503 operates in the local apparatusto allow communication by HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). The Webserver 1503 can operate a CGI (Common Gateway Interface) program whichis launched in accordance with a request from a client. Resource filesand page template files are stored in the HDD 2004 in FIG. 3 and used bythe remote UI. The resource files include HTML (Hypertext MarkupLanguage) files used for page display, image files, and the like. Atemplate file is a file which is referred to from the CGI program andused to generate a page.

To access the local apparatus, the user directly inputs the URL (UniformResource Locator) to the Web browser or select a link in which the URLis embedded. The Web browser transmits an HTTP command for designating adesired URL through a communication path such as the LAN 2011. The Webserver 1503 receives this HTTP command, analyzes the HTTP command, andperforms corresponding operation.

If the request from the Web browser of the client is not a CGI request,the designated resource of the above resources is transmitted to the Webbrowser, and the processing is terminated.

If the request from the Web browser is a CGI request, the correspondingCGI program is launched. The CGI program can receive a query parameterwhen it is launched; the value designated by the user through thebrowser is handed to the program.

The CGI program requests the apparatus to perform acquisition/setting ofapparatus information, printout operation, or the like in accordancewith the request. The CGI program also generates a page to betransmitted by using a corresponding template. The template file has aportion in which the description is changed by using acquiredinformation. This makes it possible to generate a page content inaccordance with the current status.

The Web browser on the transmitting side displays the page returned fromthe local apparatus on the display of the host computer to show it tothe user. The above page returned to the Web browser contains a scriptcode for prompting the user to check his/her inputs and enter data againif any improper input is found (for example, a value that is not allowedis input).

Accessing the apparatus by using the Web browser in this manner allowsthe user to externally acquire/set the function/status/hold informationof the apparatus or operate the apparatus. The information that can beacquired/set by the remote UI includes apparatus information such aspaper sizes that can be used and the remaining quantity of paper sheets,information of jobs entered, document information stored in the storageunit, address information for the E-mail and FAX functions, settinginformation about a network, and the like. The operations that can beperformed through the remote UI include printout operation andtransmission of document information held in the device.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flows of basic processing on theclient (browser) side (host computers 10 and 11) and the server side(image processing apparatuses 200, 220, and 230). This flow chart showsthe flow of processing controlled by the CPU of a host computer on thebasis of the browser control program installed in the hard disk of thehost computer, and the flow of processing controlled by the CPU 2001 onthe basis of the control program for the Web server 1503 which is storedin the HDD 2004 of the image processing apparatus. The same applies toall the flow charts to be described below.

On the client side, in step S101, the CPU waits for the inputting of aURL from the user. If a URL is input, the flow advances to step S102 totransmit an HTTP command to the server side.

In step S103, the CPU waits for the reception of a response from theserver side. If a response is received, an HTML document isformatted/displayed in step S104, thus terminating one session.

On the server side, in step S111, the CPU waits for the reception of anHTTP command from the client side. If an HTTP command is received, theCPU checks in step S112 whether the command is a CGI launch request. Ifthe command is a CGI launch request, the CPU analyzes a CGI parameter instep S113. In step S114, the CPU launches the CGI program. One sessionis then terminated. If it is determined in step S112 that the command isnot a CGI launch request, the flow advances to step S115 to return adesignated resource file as a response, thus terminating one session.

On many pages, the display contents change depending on the status atthe time of display. For this reason, apparatus information is acquiredin the launched CGI program and an HTML file is generated from atemplate file and returned as a response. In step S115, the CPU returnsa designated HTML file without processing it.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the page transmitted from the Webserver 1503 and displayed on the browser of the host computer in thisembodiment. This window shows the top page of the remote UI displayed ona general Web browser. This page is displayed as a default page when thehost computer is connected to the Web server 1503 upon designation ofthe URL of a desired image processing apparatus (inputting of the IPaddress of the image processing apparatus following http://). As shownin FIG. 9, the window is comprised of two frames, an index area 101 andmain area 102. A main site map is displayed in the index area. When abutton on the map is pressed (clicked with a pointing device such as amouse), the corresponding window is displayed in the main area. Indisplaying pages, the session shown in FIG. 8 is repeated a plurality ofnumber of times, and steps S114 and S115 are executed in the process. Instep S104, the host computer 10 displays the HTML file received by aknown general browser as shown in FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the top page displays the general information of thedevice.

In “Device Name”, the user can set an arbitrary device name. If the usersets no name, “Nameless Device” is set. In “Product Name”, the productname of the local image processing apparatus is registered in advance.In “Location”, the user arbitrarily sets the location where the localimage processing apparatus is installed. The last time this page wasrewritten by the Web server 1503 is also displayed. In addition, thestatus of the printer 2095 of the local image processing apparatus(e.g., the remaining quantity of toner, the presence/absence of papersheets, and the occurrence of jam), the status of the scanner 2070(cover open or the like), and the status of the FAX function (e.g.,transmission in process, reception in process, or the occurrence of anerror) are displayed as character information, in color, and with theouter appearance of the local image processing apparatus. In the commentcolumn, the message set by the operation unit 2012 or through the remoteUI with the browser can be displayed. Furthermore, the administratorname can be set. When the user presses (clicks) this portion, a mailerset as a standard function is launched to allow E-mail transmission.When the user presses (clicks) “Support Link”, the host computer isconnected to a support information page through the Internet of thelocal image processing apparatus. In the lowest column, the displaystate of the browser (“. . . is open”, “Document: Done”, or the like) isdisplayed.

In addition to the above information, a device information page, jobstatus page, box page, address page, user mode page, and the like aredisplayed by pressing (clicking) a device button (Device) 103, jobstatus button (Job Status) 104, mail box button (Mail Box) 105, addressbutton (Address) 106, and user mode button (Add.Func.) 107 arranged inthe index area.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of the job status page displayedafter the job status button 104 is pressed.

When the, job status button 104 is pressed (clicked), an HTTP command todisplay a job status page is transmitted to the image processingapparatus 200 (step S102). Upon reception of this command, the imageprocessing apparatus 200 transmits an HTML file in which the displaycontents shown in FIG. 10 are described (step S115).

The host computer 10 receives this HTML file and analyzes it to displaya page like the one shown in FIG. 10 (steps S103 and S104). On the jobstatus page, a list of various job status currently input to the imageprocessing apparatus 200 is displayed. The user can select the types ofjobs to be displayed (a print job (Print Job), copy job (Copy Job),transmission job (Send Job), FAX job (Fax Job), and reception job(Receive Job)) from a submenu 111 displayed in the index area 101, and ajob status list of selected types of jobs is displayed in the main area102. FIG. 10 shows a status where a print job is selected to display thestatus of all jobs using the printer 2095, and a list of print jobstatus is displayed in the main area 102. When a print job log button112 is pressed, a print job log page is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example display of the print job log page.

On the print job log page, a log of print jobs input after the system isstarted is displayed. As shown in FIG. 11, a log of print jobs isdisplayed in the main area 102, and a job number 121, job name 122, jobowner 123, user ID 124, end time 125, and job execution result 126 aredisplayed as one record for each print job. When a print job typeselection button 127 is pressed, a pull-down menu 113 is displayed, asshown in FIG. 12. The user can change job types displayed as a list inthe main area 102 by selecting a desired print job type from thispull-down menu. The job types that can be selected include a PDL printjob (PDL print: a PDL print job based on PC/PCL, LIPS, or the like;print processing corresponding to a print request from a host computer),a local copy print job (Local Copy: print processing of copy operationin which scanning and printing are performed by the same apparatus), aremote copy print job (Remote Copy: printing processing of copyoperation in which scanning and printing are performed by differentapparatuses through a network), a reception print job (Receive Print:printing an image received by a universal send function such as“FAX/IFAX”), and a report print job (Report Print: print processing tobe performed when a printer or scanner operation log stored in thedevice is output in report form).

Obviously, display of a Web page like the one shown in FIGS. 11 or 12can be realized by the procedure of the flow chart of FIG. 8 as indisplay of the Web page shown in FIGS. 9 or 10.

The print job status data displayed as in FIG. 10 and the print job logdata displayed as in FIGS. 11 and 12 are stored in the HDD 2004 everytime a print job is executed or accepted in the image processingapparatus 200. These data are updated every time the status changes.Note that since the storage data format is not specifically limited andobvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof willbe omitted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the Web server 1503equivalent to a general server used on the Internet or the like toprovide a home page is implemented on the image processing apparatus200, and the HTTP protocol is used as a protocol between the imageprocessing apparatus 200 and the host computer 11. This makes itpossible to transmit log information of image output jobs received bythe image processing apparatus as an HTML document from the imageprocessing apparatus 200 to the host computer 11. Since this allows theuser to browse a log of jobs with the Web browser on the host computer11, the user can easily perform remote control in an operationenvironment similar to that for normal home page browsing without usingany special application software. Since no special application softwareneed be launched, the load on the host computer can be reduced. Inaddition, a system having high connection performance can be built owingto the high versatility of the HTTP protocol.

The user can check the jobs designated through the operation unit 2012,the jobs designated from the host computes 10 and 11 through the LAN2011, the jobs received through the LAN 2011, and the jobs receivedthrough the WAN 2051 as a list.

In addition, since the status of jobs input to the image processingapparatus 200 are sorted and displayed in correspondence with the typesof jobs, the user can easily check the status of desired jobs.

The first embodiment described above uses the Web server installed inthe image processing apparatus including the scanner unit as an imageinput device, the printer unit as an image output device, the controllerunit, and the user interface unit. However, by installing a Web servereven in an image processing apparatus made up of a printer unit andcontroller unit, a remote user interface function can be implemented,and a print job log can be displayed. In this case, however, the printjob type includes only PDL print.

[Second Embodiment]

In the first embodiment described above, a log of jobs is displayed byusing the Web browser. In the second embodiment, a system in which animage processing apparatus having an image storage function is connectedto a host computer 11 through a transmission medium such as a network isconfigured to allow the host computer 11 to acquire/display imagesstored in the image processing apparatus. Note that the hardwarearrangements of the system and image processing apparatus according tothe second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, an area in an HDD 2004 in which image data are to bestored is divided into a plurality of areas in advance, which will bereferred to as boxes. These boxes include a user box which is used totemporarily store the document scanned by a user and the PDL data sentfrom a Web client, and a system box which is used to store a receivedFAX document or the like. Numbers are assigned to the respective userboxes to identify them. Note that on a setting window (not shown), theuser can set a box name and password for each user box and a time afterwhich stored data can be automatically erased from a box. The user canalso designate the operation of storing a scanned image or PDL data sentfrom a Web client in a box. In addition, a stored document can betransmitted by FAX or E-mail, moved to another box, or printed out inaccordance with an instruction from the user.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the software arrangement of an imageprocessing apparatus according to the second embodiment. The samereference numerals as in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) denote the sameparts in FIG. 13. The arrangement in FIG. 13 differs from that in FIG. 2in that it has a box module (Box) 1551. The box module 1551 provides amanagement function for storage of a scanned image or PDL print image inthe HDD, printing of a stored image by a printer function, transmissionby a universal send function, deletion of a document from the HDD,grouping (storing data in an individual box), movement of data betweenboxes, copying of data between boxes, and the like. Note that acommunication function is provided from the box module 1551 through anHTTP module 1512 and TCP/IP module 1516.

Referring to FIG. 13, the Web pull print module 1511 in the arrangementin FIG. 2 is replaced with the box module 1551. However, the box 1551may be simply added to the arrangement in FIG. 2.

In the above arrangement, when a host computer 10 is connected to thelocal image processing apparatus by designating its URL (e.g., IPaddress) using a general browser, the top page of a remote UI as shownin FIG. 9 is displayed, as described in the first embodiment. Referringto FIG. 9, when a mail box button 105 is pressed (clicked), a box pageas shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example display of a box page in the secondembodiment.

On the box page, a list of boxes that are currently present in the HDD2004 of the image processing apparatus is displayed in a main area 102.The types of boxes to be displayed (user boxes (User Boxes) and systemboxes (Preset Boxes)) can be selected through a submenu 201 displayed inan index area 101. A list of selected boxes is displayed in the mainarea 102. FIG. 14 shows a status where user boxes are selected. In themain area 102, a list of user boxes is displayed. For each user box, abox number 202, a box name 203, and a total box document image storagearea occupation ratio 204 of document image data in the box aredisplayed as one record. Note that the total box document image storagearea occupation ratio 204 is the ratio of the image data in the box tothe HDD area allocated for the storage of box document image data. Inaddition, the box number 202 indicates link text, and a box content listdisplay page is displayed when the user selects desired link text on theWeb browser.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of box content list display page tobe displayed when a box number link text is selected in the box page inFIG. 14.

In the main area 102 of the box list display page, a list of boxdocument images contained in the designated box is displayed. Aselection check box 211, document image type 212, document image name213, document image size 214, document image direction icon 215,document image page count 216, and last update date 217 are displayed asone record for each document image. In this case, the document imagetype 212 indicates whether the corresponding image data is “the imagedata obtained by the scanner” or “the image data stored upon bitmapping(without printing) of a received PDL print request”. By checking adesired selection check box 211 and clicking one of designation buttons219 (the Print button, Forward button, Move button, and Delete Button),the selected document can be processed as designated. If the Deletebutton is clicked, a confirmation window as shown in FIG. 19 isdisplayed. Referring to FIG. 19, if the OK button is clicked, theselected document is erased from the box. If the cancel button isclicked, the display in FIG. 15 is restored. The document image name 213indicates link text. If this link text is selected on the Web browser, abox document image content display page is displayed.

If an edit button 218 is clicked, a window (not shown) is displayed, onwhich the user can set a box name and password for the corresponding boxand a time after which a document can be automatically erased.

If the user tries to open a box for which a password is set on thewindow in FIG. 14, a password confirmation window (not shown) isdisplayed. If the correct password is input, the window switches to thebox document display window in FIG. 15; otherwise, the contents of thisbox cannot be seen.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a box document image contentdisplay page to be displayed when desired document image name link textis selected on the box content list display page in FIG. 15.

A list of contents of the respective pages of box document images isdisplayed in the main area 102 of the box document image content displaypage. A page number 221, color image icon 222, color image size 223,monochrome image icon 224, monochrome image size 225, and image pixelcount (horizontal×vertical) 226 are displayed as one record for eachpage. In this case, there are both information about a color image andinformation about a monochrome image because each page holds both acolor image and a monochrome image for the same image. Each image iconrepresents a link image. If one of these link images is selected on theWeb browser, the corresponding image data stored in the image processingapparatus 200 is transferred to the Web browser on the host computer 10by a Web server 1503, thus displaying the image. Note that a color imageis transferred in the JPEG format, and hence is directly displayed inthe Web browser. Since a monochrome image is transferred in the TIFF/MMRcompression format, it is displayed by an image viewer applicationlaunched by the Web browser.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of the window to be displayed when“Preset Boxes” is selected. “Preset Boxes” includes “MEMORY RX BOX” forstoring data received by FAX, IFAX, or the like, “MEMORY TX BOX” fortransmitting data by FAX, IFAX, or the like, and the like. FIG. 17 showsan example display of “MEMORY RX BOX”. In “MEMORY RX BOX”, a selectioncheck box 231, job type 232, source user name 233, document image pagecount 234, and reception date 235 are displayed. As in the user boxdescribed above, when a document is selected, detailed information aboutthe document and information about each page are displayed. In addition,when a desired page is selected, the document contents are displayed.

The processing of transferring the above HTML file and image data froman image processing apparatus to the host computer 10 is implemented bythe procedure described in the first embodiment (the flow chart of FIG.8).

When documents stored in the box are selected and transferred, a forwardbutton 236 is clicked in the case shown in FIG. 17 to display a settingwindow for document transfer as shown in FIG. 18.

In the display shown in FIG. 18, the selected documents are displayed ina selected document list column 241, and a transfer sequence can bedesignated by using buttons 242 to 245. Reference numeral 246 denotes adestination display button, which is clicked to display a destinationdisplay window (not shown). On the destination display window,registered addresses (FAX numbers, E-mail addresses, and the like) aredisplayed to allow the user to select transfer destinations. Thedestinations selected on the destination display window are displayed ina transfer destination list area 247. Reference numeral 248 denotes anerase button which is pressed to erase a selected transfer destinationfrom the transfer destination list; and 249, an OK button which ispressed to execute transfer.

Reference numeral 250 denotes a document erasure check column whichallows the user to choose between erasing data after it is printed outor not erasing it. If this column is checked, the corresponding data iserased when it is normally transferred. Reference numeral 251 denotes acancel button which is pressed to return to the box document displaywindow (FIG. 17) without performing transfer.

The flow of processing for the transfer of documents in a box on thehost computer 10 side will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. The processing from input operation in step S101 forinvoking the window in FIG. 18 to display operation in step S104 isperformed. A box password is input again in step S101 (if a password isset for the designated box), and various input operations, e.g.,selecting a document in the box and selecting a transmissiondestination. Information sent from an image processing apparatus 200 inresponse to the inputs is then displayed. In this manner, the processingin steps S101 to S104 is repeated as needed. In determining an input instep S101, the host computer determines whether the parameter input bythe user raises a problem. If a problem is posed, no command istransmitted in step S102.

The detailed flow of processing after the display of the setting windowfor this document transfer is indicated by the flow chart of FIG. 20.More specifically, after the window in FIG. 18 is invoked, theprocessing in steps S201 to S206 is repeated until the end of inputoperation in step S207. In this case, the decision in step S206 is madeon the basis of the script code contained in an HTML file sent from aWeb server. If, for example, characters other than numerals are input ina column in which numerals should be input, the user is prompted toreturn to step S203 to input data again.

The details of processing on the Web server side will be described withreference to the flow chart of FIG. 21.

Upon reception of final transfer settings (e.g., a specified document tobe transferred and destination information) in step S301 after userauthentication using a password, presentation of a document list,confirmation of selection, and the like, which are done by exchanginginformation a plurality of number of times as shown in FIG. 20, the CPUlaunches a CGI program for document transfer in step S302. In step S303,the CPU analyzes parameters such as the document information anddestination information received in step S301. In step S304, the CPUgives a transfer processing request to a Network 2010 or MODEM 2050 toexecute transfer processing in accordance with the destinationdesignated in step S304.

If the transfer processing is normally performed, the CPU checks in stepS305 whether the document erasure check column 250 is checked. If NO instep S305, the processing is terminate immediately. If YES in step S305,the CPU erases the corresponding document from the box and terminatesthe processing.

A case where documents stored in the box are selected to be printed by aprinter 2095 will be described next.

When the Print button on the window in, for example, FIGS. 15 or 17 isclicked, the current window switches to the print setting window in FIG.22.

As shown in FIG. 22, selected documents are displayed in a selecteddocument list column 261, and a printing sequence can be designated bybuttons 262 to 265. When the user designates a print count in a printcount designation column 266, a paper cassette in a 267, informationabout double-sided printing in a double-sided printing designationcolumn 268, and information about sorting in a sorting designationcolumn 269, and clicks an OK button 270, he/she can output a printinstruction.

Reference numeral 271 denotes a document erasure check column whichallows the user to choose between erasing data after it is printed outor not erasing it. If this column is checked, data is erased after it istransferred. Reference numeral 272 denotes a document merge checkcolumn, which is used to print out a plurality of documents as one job;and 273, a cancel button which is pressed to return to a window (boxdocument display window) immediately preceding the current windowwithout performing printout.

The processing to be performed by the Web browser when a request toprint out data in a box is generated from the Web browser of a Webclient by using the remote UI function of the image processing apparatusaccording to this embodiment will be described next.

The flow of processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20.

In step S201, the Web browser receives an HTML file sent from the Webserver 1503 of the image processing apparatus 200. In step S202, thereceived file is displayed on a window. The window displayed in thiscase is the print window shown in FIG. 22. In step S203, the user inputsa necessary parameter, e.g., a print count in the print countdesignation column 266, to the browser, and presses the OK button 270.

In step S204, the CPU checks whether the parameters set by the user areappropriate. This check is made on the basis of a script code containedin the file sent from the Web server 1503. If inappropriate input isdone, e.g., characters other than numerals are input in a column inwhich a print count should be set, (“with problem” in FIG. 205), theflow returns to step S203 to prompt the user to input again. If noproblem arises in this check (“without problem” in step S205), the CPUtransmits an HTTP command to the Web server 1503 to request it to printout the data (step S206).

The processing to be performed by the Web server 1503 when a request toprint out data in a box is output from the Web browser will be describednext.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the processing to be performed by theWeb server 1503 upon reception of a printout request from the Webbrowser.

In step S401, the Web server 1503 receives an HTTP command from the Webbrowser of a Web client through the network connection unit 2010. Instep S402, the Web server 1503 launches a CGI program corresponding tothe printout request.

In step S403, the launched CGI program analyzes the parameters sent fromthe browser, e.g., the print count, print paper type, and sortingmethod. In step S404, the parameters are set, and a print request isoutput to the printer 2095 to execute printing. In step S405, it ischecked whether the document erasure check column 271 in FIG. 22 ischecked. If YES in step S405, the flow is immediately terminated. If NOin step S405, the flow advances to step S406 to erase the data from thebox in the HDD 2004 after it is printed out.

If the Delete button on, for example, the window in FIGS. 15 or 17 isclicked, the current window switches to a box movement window as shownin FIG. 24.

As shown in FIG. 24, selected documents are displayed in a selecteddocument list column 281. When the user selects a movement destinationbox in a movement destination box selection column 282 and presses an OKbutton 283, the selected documents are moved. Reference numeral 284denotes a cancel button, which is pressed to return to a window (boxdocument display window) immediately preceding the current windowwithout moving any documents.

In this case, processing is performed on the browser side in the sameflow as that described above.

The processing on the Web browser side is the same as that describedabove except that “transfer processing” and “print processing” arereplaced with “movement processing”, and processing associated withdocument erase operation is omitted. That is, parameters aboutinformation on designated documents and a movement destination box areanalyzed, and the storage destination box is changed in accordance withthe analysis result.

The above operation by the remote UI can also be performed from anoperation unit 2012 in the same manner as described above.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the Web server1503 is implemented on the image processing apparatus 200, and the HTTPprotocol is used as a protocol between the image processing apparatusand the host computer, thereby allowing the image information stored inthe image processing apparatus to be transmitted as an HTML documentfrom the image processing apparatus. In addition, since an image storedin the image processing apparatus can be transmitted as an image filefrom the image processing apparatus to the host computer, and the usercan browse and operate this file through the Web browser on the hostcomputer, the user can easily perform remote control. In addition, asystem having high connection performance can be built owing to the highversatility of the HTTP protocol. Note that HTTP is used as a transferprotocol for transmission of an image stored in the image processingapparatus as an image file from the image processing apparatus to thehost computer. In this case, a mime type such as image/TIFF orimage/jpeg is added as a response header depending on the type of image.

According to this embodiment, since the user can generate a request toprint out image data stored in a box in an image processing apparatusfrom the Web browser of a client on a network, the user can easily printout the image data in the box as in operation from the operation unit2012 without going to the image processing apparatus.

Since the user can generate a request to transfer image data stored in abox in an image processing apparatus by FAX or E-mail from the Webbrowser of a client on a network, the user can easily transfer the imagedata in the box without going to the image processing apparatus.

In addition, in printing or transferring the image data in the box, theuser can easily set necessary parameters on the Web browser.

Furthermore, by transmitting a setting file for setting parameters fromthe server of an image processing apparatus to the Web browser of aclient, any special driver or the like need not be installed in theclient, and a general Web browser can be used.

Moreover, a setting file is used to check on the browser whether anyinappropriate input is made, e.g., characters other than numerals areinput as a print count. If an inappropriate setting is made, the user isprompted again to input data. This eliminates the necessity to make thischeck on the server side, thus reducing the load on the server andnetwork.

The above embodiment uses the Web server installed in the imageprocessing apparatus including the scanner unit as an image inputdevice, the printer unit as an image output device, the controller unit,and the user interface unit. However, by installing a Web server even inan image processing apparatus formed by a controller unit having animage storage function, a remote user interface function can beimplemented, and an image can be displayed.

[Third Embodiment]

The first embodiment has exemplified the arrangement for displayingprint job status and a print job log by using the Web browser. The thirdembodiment will exemplify an arrangement for allowing the status ofprint jobs to be changed. According to the third embodiment, in a systemin which an image processing apparatus is connected to a host computerthrough a transmission medium such as a network, the status informationof a plurality of jobs reserved to be output in the image processingapparatus is acquired/displayed by the host computer. Note that thehardware arrangements of the system and image processing apparatusaccording to the third embodiment are the same as in the firstembodiment.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of the job status page to bedisplayed after the job status button is pressed on the top page shownin FIGS. 25 or 9. Although the display contents in FIG. 25 are the sameas those in FIG. 10, reference numerals are added which are required toexplain the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 25, a list of job status currently input to an imageprocessing apparatus 200 is displayed on a job status page. The user canselect a type of job to be displayed (“Print Job”, “Copy Job”, “SendJob”, “Fax Job”, and “Receive Job”) from a submenu 111 displayed in anindex area 101, and a list of job status corresponding to a selected jobtype is displayed in a main area 102. FIG. 25 shows a display statuswhere “Print Job” is selected. A list of print job status is displayedin the main area 102. A job status icon 303, job number 304, job status305, job type 306, job name 307, job owner 308, job size 309, and jobreception time 310 are displayed as one record for each print job.

The job status include “Printing” (during printing: a print job that iscurrently executed), “Waiting” (waiting for printing: a job in a printqueue, which is executed when its turn comes), “Pause” (during a pause:a job in a print queue, which is skipped without being executed even ifits turn comes), and “Lock” (a lock status: a job in a print queue,which is locked by a password and is not executed until it is selectedand the password is input). The job types include “Print” (PDL print),“Local Copy” (local copy print), “Remote Copy” (remote copy print),“Received” (receive print), and “Report” (report print). Jobs in a printwait status are sequentially aligned and displayed in descending order.A selection button 302 is set on the left end of each record to allowselection of the job in the corresponding record. A tool bar isdisplayed, which includes a job pause button 311 (for changing aselected job from the “Waiting” status to the “Pause” status), a jobresume button 312 (for changing a selected print job from “Pause” statusto the “Waiting” status), a job promote button 313 (for moving aselected print job to the head of a print queue (next to the print jobthat is currently executed)), and a job cancel button 314 (for deletinga selected print job). By using these buttons, the user can change thestatus of the print job selected by the selection button 302.

Each job number 304 indicates link text. By selecting this, the detailedinformation page of the corresponding job is displayed.

FIG. 26 is a view showing an example display of the detailed informationpage of a print job. In the main area 102, the detailed information suchas the reception date, reception number, job status, department ID, jobname, job owner, page count, and copy count is displayed.

FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of the “Send Job Status” page to bedisplayed after the Send Job Status button in “Job Status” is pressed.

A list of jobs having data to be sent and remaining in the imageprocessing apparatus 200 is displayed. This list includes, from theleft, a selection check box for designating a process, job status icon,“Job ID” for specifying a job, “Status” indicting the status of a job,“Job Type” indicating the type of job, “Destinations” indicating thenumber of destinations designated, and “Time” indicating the date atwhich a job was received.

In designating a desired document and making a setting change or thelike, the user checks a check box 321 and invokes a setting window.

When a Log button 322 is clicked, a list of logs of send jobs that havealready been executed in the image processing apparatus 200 is displayedas shown in FIG. 28. This list includes, from the left, “Job ID(Re.JobNo.)” for specifying a job, “Result” indicating the execution result onthe job, “Start Time” indicating the time at which the job was started,“End Time” indicating the time at which the job was completed, “Det.ID”indicating a department that is designated for department-specificmanagement, “Job Type” indicating the type of job, “Destination”indicating a transmission destination, “F code” indicating an F codethat was designated and transmitted, “Pages” indicating the number ofpages transmitted, and “End code” indicating the type of error if theprocessing is terminated with an error. The data in this log can beretransmitted upon a destination change or the like.

The flow of processing in executing a job upon changing the contents onthe above window will be described below.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing on the Web server1503 side in changing the contents of a print job on the window shown inFIG. 25.

First of all, for example, the user displays the window in FIG. 26 byusing the Web browser, selects a desired print job on the window in FIG.25, and generates an instruction to perform desired processing. The Webserver 1503 receives an HTTP command indicting the content of thisinstruction in step S510.

If it is determined in step S502 that the content of this instructionindicates “Pause”, the job designated in step S503 is changed to“Pause”, and the corresponding information is reflected in an HTML file.Likewise, the instruction content is determined in steps S504, S506, andS508, and the status of the job is changed in steps S505, S507, and S509in accordance with this determination result. The correspondinginformation is then reflected in the HTML file.

In step S510, this changed HTML file is transmitted to the host computer10 to reflect this change in the display on the Web browser.

If the instruction coincides none of the above instructions, otherprocessing is executed in step S511.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing on the Web serverside in changing or adding a destination with respect to a transmissionjob that has already been input.

First of all, the user designates a desired job on the window in FIG. 27by using the Web browser of the host computer 10. When a destination isto be changed or added, the user selects a destination as in the case oftransfer processing described above. When the job is to be canceled, theuser generates a corresponding instruction. The Web server 1503 receivesan HTTP command indicating this instruction content in step S601.

If it is determined in step S602 that the instruction content indicatesa destination change, the destination of the designated job is changedin step S603, and the corresponding information is reflected in the HTMLfile. Likewise, the instruction content is determined in steps S604 andS606, and the contents of the job are changed in steps S605 and S607 inaccordance with this determination result. The corresponding informationis reflected in the HTML file.

In step S608, the changed HTML file is transmitted to the host computer10, and this change is reflected in the display on the Web browser.

If the instruction coincides with none of the above instructions, otherprocessing is executed in step S609.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing to be executedwhen a transmission job that has already been executed is retransmittedupon a destination change.

First of all, the user designates a desired job (that has been executed)on the window in FIG. 28 by using the Web browser of the host computer10, and generates an instruction to perform retransmission after, forexample, a destination is changed or added as needed. The Web server1503 receives an HTTP command indicating this instruction content instep S701.

If it is determined in step S702 that this instruction content containsa destination change, the destination of the designated job is changed,and the resultant job is set as a transmission job (transmission queue).If no destination change is contained, the designated job is set as atransmission job without changing the destination in step S704.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing to be executedwhen a log of jobs that have been executed is deleted from “Send JobLog” in accordance with an instruction from the user.

First of all, the user designates a desired job on the window in FIG. 28by using the Web browser of the host computer 10, and generates aninstruction to delete the corresponding log. In this case, userauthentication may be performed to inhibit deletion of a log associatedwith another person. The Web server 1503 receives an HTTP commandindicating this instruction content in step S801.

If it is determined in step S802 that an instruction to delete a log isreceived, the log of the designated job is deleted in step S803. If itis determined that no delete instruction is received, this processing isskipped.

In step S804, an HTML file in which the above processing is reflected istransmitted, and the processing is terminated.

The above operation from the remote UI can be also be performed from anoperation unit 2012 in the same manner.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the Web server1503 is implemented on the image processing apparatus, and the HTTPprotocol is used as a protocol between the image processing apparatusand the host computer. This makes it possible to transmit the statusinformation of a plurality of output jobs, which are reserved to beoutput in the image processing apparatus, as an HTML document from theimage processing apparatus to the host computer. The user can browse andoperate the status of a plurality of output jobs by using the Webbrowser on the host computer, thereby easily performing remote control.In addition, a system having high connection performance can be builtowing to the high versatility of the HTTP protocol.

In addition, the user can recheck the status and destination of a jobthrough the browser, and can also change them. The user can thereforechange the destination of a job as in operation from the operation unit2012 without directly operating the image processing apparatus.

Even if there is a job that takes much time to start transmission aftera transmission instruction is output from the operation unit 2012, theuser can check the status of this job at a remote place from theapparatus. In addition, even if the job terminates abnormally, includingan operation error, retransmission processing can be performed.

Furthermore, if the user does not want to leave a log of transmissionjobs that have been executed, he/she can easily delete the log at aremote place.

The above embodiment uses the Web server installed in the imageprocessing apparatus including the scanner unit as an image inputdevice, the printer unit as an image output device, the controller unit,and the user interface unit. However, by installing a Web server even inan image processing apparatus made up of a printer unit and controllerunit, a remote user interface function can be implemented, and print jobstatus can be displayed. In this case, however, the print job typeincludes only PDL print.

The present invention may be applied to a system constituted by aplurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, an interface device, areader, a printer, and the like) or an apparatus comprising a singledevice (e.g., a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, or the like).

The object of the present invention is realized even by supplying astorage medium storing software program codes for realizing thefunctions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus,and causing the computer (or a CPU or an MPU) of the system or apparatusto read out and execute the program codes stored in the storage medium.In this case, the program codes read out from the storage medium realizethe functions of the above-described embodiments by themselves, and thestorage medium storing the program codes constitutes the presentinvention. The functions of the above-described embodiments are realizednot only when the readout program codes are executed by the computer butalso when the OS (Operating System) running on the computer performspart or all of actual processing on the basis of the instructions of theprogram codes.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of thescope of the present invention, the following claims are made.

1. A copying apparatus comprising: an image scanner, adapted to scan adocument and to generate data representing an image on the scanneddocument; a communication unit, adapted to receive data through anetwork; a printer, adapted to print an image based on input data; aprocessor, adapted to perform a plurality of jobs including print jobsperformed by using said printer; a management unit, adapted to manageinformation about the jobs performed by said processor, the informationincluding (i) respective types of the print jobs which include a printof an image based on the data from said communication unit and a localcopy which prints an image based on the data from said image scannerequipped by said copying apparatus, and (ii) status informationregarding each of the print jobs, which indicates whether each of theprint jobs is waiting to be performed or is being performed; a sortingunit, adapted to sort jobs performed by said processor in accordancewith types of jobs; a generating unit, adapted to generate a Web pageindicating a list of the print jobs and the status information managedby said management unit; a transmitter, adapted to transmit the Web pagegenerated by said generating unit to a Web browser; a receiver, adaptedto receive a request from the Web browser; and a controller, adapted tocontrol said management unit so as to change the status information ofat least one of the print jobs managed by said management unit in a casewhere the request received by said receiver indicates that the statusinformation is to be changed, wherein said generating unit generates theWeb page on the basis of sorting performed by said sorting unit.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said generating unit generates aWeb page according to HTML.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said transmitter transmits a Web page according to HTTP.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage, adapted tostore data processed by jobs performed by said processor, wherein saidgenerating unit generates a Web page indicating information about thedata stored in said storage.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a sender, adapted to send data stored in said storagein accordance with the request received by said receiver.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said management unit rewritesmanaged information in accordance with the request received by saidreceiver.
 7. A control method for a data processing system including acopying apparatus which has a Web server function and can perform aplurality of jobs including print jobs for image data from an imagescanner and image data received through a communication unit from asender on a network, and a client terminal having a Web browse function,said method comprising the steps of: causing the copying apparatus tomanage information about the print jobs including  (i) respective typesof the print jobs which include a print of an image based on the datafrom said communication unit and a local copy which prints an imagebased on the data from said image scanner equipped by said copyingapparatus, and  (ii) status information of the print jobs, whichindicates whether each of the print jobs is waiting to be performed oris being performed, sort performed jobs in accordance with types ofjobs, generate a Web page indicating a list of the print jobs and thestatus information managed in said managing step, wherein the Web pageis generated on the basis of sorting performed in said sorting step, andtransmit the generated Web page to said client terminal; and causing theclient terminal to receive the Web page from the copying apparatus, givean instruction to the copying apparatus to change the status informationof one of the print jobs based on the received Web page, and transmitthe instruction to the copying apparatus; and causing the copyingapparatus to receive the instruction from the client terminal, andchange the managed status information of one of the print jobs inaccordance with the received instruction.
 8. A control method for acopying which has an image scanner for scanning a document to generatedata representing image on the scanned document, a printer for printingimage and a communication unit for receiving data from a sender on anetwork, comprising the steps of: managing information about a pluralityof print jobs, executed by the printer of the copying apparatus,including (i) respective types of the print jobs which include a printof an image based on the data from said communication unit and a localcopy which prints an image based on the data from the image scannerequipped by said copying apparatus, and (ii) status information of theprint jobs, which indicates whether each of the print jobs is waiting tobe performed or is being performed; sorting the jobs in accordance withtypes of jobs; generating a Web page indicating a list of the print jobsand the status information managed in said managing step on the basis ofthe managed information, wherein the Web page is generated on the basisof sorting performed in said sorting step; transmitting the Web pagegenerated in said generating step to the Web browser; receiving arequest from the Web browser; and changing the status information of atleast one of the print jobs managed in said managing step in a casewhere the request received in said receiving step indicates that thestatus information is to be changed.
 9. A computer program productcomprising a computer readable medium storing computer program code forcontrolling a copying apparatus which has an image scanner for scanninga document to generate data representing image on the scanned document,a printer for printing image and a communication unit for receiving datafrom a sender on a network, said product comprising process procedurecode for: managing information about a plurality of print jobs, executedby the printer of the copying apparatus, including (i) respective typesof the print jobs which include a print of an image based on the datafrom said communication unit and a local copy which prints an imagebased on the data from the image scanner equipped by said copyingapparatus, and (ii) status information of the print lobs, whichindicates whether each of the plurality of print jobs is waiting to beperformed or is being performed; sorting the jobs in accordance withtypes of jobs; generating a Web page indicating a list of the print jobsand the status information managed in said managing step on the basis ofthe managed information, wherein the Web page is generated on the basisof sorting performed in said sorting step; transmitting the Web pagegenerated in said generating step to the Web browser; receiving arequest from the Web browser; and changing the status information of atleast one of the print jobs managed in said managing step in a casewhere the request received in said receiving step indicates that thestatus information is to be changed.